Due to high demand created by the continued unseasonably hot weather, Indiana Michigan Power may be directed again today to reduce electrical load in southern Michigan.

In efforts to reduce the impact of another power outage in the White Pigeon area, I&M has been working with PJM, the Regional Transmission Organization, to develop a plan to reduce load by de-energizing some power lines in Constantine and the industrial area west of Sturgis.

However, today’s demand may require curtailing power to both those areas and White Pigeon. We are notifying customers in all of those areas of the possibility.

I&M will drop power to these areas only if directed to do so by PJM Interconnection, the Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) that helps manage the electric grid. Federal regulations require AEP to belong to an RTO, and PJM is the organization I&M and some other Midwestern and Eastern utilities belong to.

Because PJM is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the power grid, I&M is required to immediately respond to its directives. I&M was required to drop electric load in White Pigeon both Monday and Tuesday.

I&M is in constant communication with PJM. If electrical load is dropped, I&M will restore it as soon as it receives PJM’s permission.